Once requestors know the record(s) they want and the public agency that has them, a records request can be submitted. Each public agency is required to adopt the GRC's established OPRA request form. N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(f). Contact the custodian of the agency or review their website to obtain this form.
A request must be in writing either on the form provided by the agency or via an otherwise written method such as a letter, fax or e-mail that that includes all information required on the adopted form. The established OPRA request form includes a space for the name, address, phone number and e-mail address of the requestor. This information permits the custodian to contact them if there are questions about the request or to inform them of any fees that are required or must be paid in advance. Additionally, the form includes certification questions related to, conviction of an indictable offense, “commercial purpose” use, and whether the requestor is seeking records in connection with a legal proceeding (including case identifiers if yes). The form also includes a space for the requestor to identify the records sought, space for the custodian to track and respond to the request, and cost information.
Requestors failing to include all form information on their written equivalent or including substantially more information than required on the form could result in the request being denied. N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(f).
The completed request can be mailed, hand-delivered, faxed (if the agency accepts faxed requests), or "otherwise conveyed to the proper custodian." This includes submission through an agency's online portal, if applicable. An OPRA request cannot be submitted verbally. Many agencies are placing downloadable versions of their request form on their own website, and many departments of state government permit requests to be filed online (see e.g. OPRA Central, www.nj.gov/opra).
OPRA permits an anonymous request to be made without contact information. Requestors chosing to not provide any contact information should follow up in person, as custodians will not be obligated to respond until they reappear at the agency. If some contact information (such as a PO Box or e-mail address) is included, the custodian will be able to respond to the request. It should be noted, however, that anonymous requests are not permitted to file a complaint with the GRC or courts. N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(f).
